The Knight’s of Columbus partnered with the women’s shelter for the event, which tied in with the annual Purple Ribbon Campaign, held from Nov. 25 – Dec. 10.
Staff and volunteers have cut and pinned over 2,000 ribbons to distribute during the campaign, which is organized by the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia. Juniper House is a member.
The purpose of the campaign is to commemorate the Dec. 6, 1989 killing of 14 women in Montreal, as well as to raise awareness about the far- reaching effects of violence against women. The event is part of an international recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
Approximately a quarter of the ribbons prepared by Juniper House will go to Digby and Shelburne counties, with others being mailed to each municipal council.
Juniper House will have an information table at the Yarmouth Mall until Dec. 10. Purple ribbons and information about Juniper House will be available at the display for the duration of the campaign. The ribbons will also be distributed at Digby Sobeys, Shelburne Mall and No Frills in Barrington on Dec. 6.
Wearing a purple ribbon shows support for abused women and their children and a desire to live in a community that is free from violence.
Juniper House’s acting executive director, Anne Robbins, remembers a particularly poignant moment connected to the handing out of ribbons.
“One woman took a ribbon and said thank you because we had been there for her daughter and grandchildren. She said staying at Juniper House changed their lives.”
Juniper House is a 15-bed shelter for women and their children leaving abusive relationships. Services are provided 24 hours a day through the shelter, a crisis line (1-800-266-4087 or 902-742-8689) and outreach services to women in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties.
Abuse of women comes in many forms, physical abuse being only one kind. Abuse can encompass sexual, financial or verbal abuse as well as abuse of civil and economic rights. Children who witness violence at home are more apt to be part of the same cycle as adults, either as perpetrators or as casualties of the abuse.
A vigil is slated to be held at Burridge Campus at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 6, organized by the human services class.
For more information on the campaign call 902-742-4473 or 742-8689. In Digby call 902-245-4789.
